cleaning frames

[randydrivesabus]

i did some crush and strain from frames that were starter stripped. now i'm left with a comby mess. any easy way to get them at least clean enough to re-starter strip them? i don't need the frames to look brand new.

[Jerrymac]

Just place the empty frames in between to drawn frames in the hive they
will clean it and start new comb without starter strips. (if they need the comb that is)

[Michael Bush]

If you leave even a little bit of the first row on they won't need starter strips again.  I usually try to leave a whole row of cells.  The bees will quickly clean up messy frames.

[randydrivesabus]

i guess i'll try to do that next time around...leave a few cells at the top that is. too late for that this time.

[rdy-b]

To clean frames for replacing thin surplus which i use for cut comb i use a propane burner that was made for turkey deep frying not expensive at all. I use the burner to heat metal five gallon bucket about slightly over half full water gets to low rolling boil dip frames in one end then the other end slowly takes a second or two thats all the propolis melts with the wax the result is almost ofa fine finish to the wood.I can do many boxes in a short time the aroma is quite pleasing also  hope this helps. RDY-B

[tillie]

Ditto what Michael said. 

I put the full super of dripping frames back on the hive and leave them for the bees to clean up.  If they need the frames, they clean them up and then build them out again, using whatever cells are left on the top edges as a starter strip.  I stay absolutely amazed at how efficient they are!

If I've harvested several supers from the same hive, after the cleaning is over, I'll leave one super on and take the now-cleaned-up super off until another need arises.

Linda T in Atlanta

[rdy-b]

I also find the hot water bath very effective to clean plastic excluders the metal ones dont bend round so i use the plastic one very important to keep air flow moving (yes i know MB says dont use excluders but they are a must when you work more hives than you have time for and volume picks up the slack anyway) many ways to skin a cat  :lol: RDY-B